RAMALLAH, April 24, 2026 (WAFA) – The Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry condemned on Friday the approval by the occupation authorities of a plan to build an ultra-Orthodox religious school in the predominantly Palestinian Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem.

The Ministry stated in a press release that it rejects all systematic Israeli measures and violations aimed at de-Palestinizing the occupied city, altering its Palestinian identity, and imposing a new illegal fait accompli on the ground by manipulating the historical and legal status of Jerusalem, erasing its identity, and distorting facts.

It affirmed that Israel, the occupying Power, has no sovereignty over the city of Jerusalem, and that sovereignty belongs exclusively to the State of Palestine.

It categorically rejected all illegal Israeli measures in Jerusalem, slamming them as a violation not only of international law, but also of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, and UN resolutions.

It called on the international community and all relevant international organizations, including UNESCO and the OIC, to adopt a firm stance that would compel Israel, the occupying Power, to comply with international law and UN resolutions.

It concluded by reaffirming that Jerusalem is a Palestinian city and the capital of the State of Palestine.

K.F.